Why You May Be Experiencing Thinning Brows: The Ultimate Guide

Eyebrow Thinning

Eyebrow thinning can happen for various reasons. One reason is how you groom or care for your eyebrows. Other reasons can include genetics, auto-immune disorders, or stress. Aging can also cause eyebrow thinning.

Here, we’ll explore the most common causes of thinning brows, and what you can do to improve your eyebrow health for the long haul.

Here are a few reasons why your brows may be thinning:

1. AGING 

Like our skin and the hair on our heads, our brow area goes through changes as the years go by. Eyebrow hairs can change in thickness and color. They may turn gray or white, making them look less defined. They can also lose density and grow in thinner, resulting in sparse-looking eyebrows. 

By age 50, 40% of women will experience visible hair loss, and this can include eyebrow thinning. Hair loss as you age is common and can be genetic. It happens when hair follicles shrink and stop growing hair. 

Brow Expert Tip: To fill in and define your brows, consider using a brow pencil or tinted brow gel for a natural look. 

2. HORMONAL CHANGES

Women’s hormones fluctuate throughout natural life stages, including puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. Medical conditions can also affect hormones. And hormonal changes can affect your hair, including your eyebrows. 

Hair loss is a common symptom of thyroid disease, postpartum recovery, or menopause. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common cause of hormonal imbalance in women, and hair loss can be a symptom. 

Brow Expert Tip: If you suspect your thinning hair or eyebrows may be a result of hormonal issues or a medical condition, talk to your doctor or dermatologist. 

6. OVERGROOMING

If you lived through the ‘90s era of overplucked brows, you may still be suffering the consequences. Too much tweezing, waxing, and processing can cause eyebrow hair follicles to suffer trauma and die out as a result. 

That doesn’t mean that one bad wax or overzealous tweezing session will leave your brows bald forever. Typically, follicle damage that leads to eyebrow hair loss is the result of repeated trauma over time. 

Brow Expert Tip: To fix over-groomed brows, allow them to grow back naturally for three to four months. This is the average time it takes for eyebrows to regrow. 

While waiting for your eyebrows to grow, use a brow pencil to fill in sparse areas and shape your brows. Having your brows professionally tinted can also help them appear fuller. 

To keep your brows healthy long-term, tweeze only stray hairs and leave any serious shaping to a trusted professional. Only a professional brow specialist should perform other services like brow lamination, tinting, and waxing. They can also give you advice on how to take care of your brows post-treatment for the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions about Thinning Brows

What age do eyebrows start thinning? 

Thinning eyebrows can happen due to aging or female pattern hair loss, starting in your 40s or 50s. During the years of perimenopause and menopause, hormonal changes can affect the look of your hair, including your eyebrows. 

Can thinning eyebrows grow back?

Yes, in many cases, proper treatment can help regrow brows once the underlying cause is addressed. However, repeatedly tweezing or grooming your eyebrows can cause permanent damage to the hair follicles over time. It's best to be cautious to avoid this. 

How can you prevent thinning eyebrows?

The best prevention is caring for your brows with nourishing ingredients that keep hairs strong, flexible, and less prone to breakage. Minimize plucking and other types of grooming that damage brows. You can't stop all causes of thinning eyebrows, but monitoring your health can help you catch any problems early. 

Should you see a doctor for thinning brows?

If you notice sudden hair loss or thinning eyebrows, see a doctor to check for any underlying health issues. A dermatologist can help with skin, hair, and eyebrow problems. Your primary care physician can check for nutrient deficiencies and common health issues.